Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was just wondering what species of small tortoises have similar habitats in the wild that can actually be kept together in the same 3 by 4 foot pen? I know that many people don't agree with keeping different species together, but this is just something im curious about.

Well the issue does sparks lots of heated debate.

The thing is that whether you choose to mix species or not to mix them you are limiting yourself to what you can have by the size of your pen. a pen that size would not be suitable for say a Redfoot and/or Yellowfoot tortoise.

If you want some wider range of options you would need to first consider a larger enclosure.

And I think there's another issue you have to consider whenever you are going to house more than one tortoise in an enclosure, no matter what species and genders you are mixing.

There is always a chance that the two (or more) animals will prove to be incompatible. Even the mellowest females may decide they don't wish to share space.

And then what do you do?

I'd say you either have to be willing to

1) Divide the current enclosure, or expand it, or create a new one so the animals can continue to live with you but not be exposed to each other. Of course this means you have to have more hideboxes, heat lamps, water bowls, etc. and maybe losing more space in your house and yard to house animals.

Or

2) Get rid of the new animal by selling or adopting it out.

So adding an animal requires more than considering the possibilities of disease transmission. You have to know what you are going to do if the animals just can't get along.

If you can't afford to re-arrange the housing situation, then maybe you shouldn't add an animal.

probably wouldn't make a good pair (couldn't resist).
Leopards and sulcatas. They usually do well when mixed.
Any of the Greeks from the same regions.
You basically want to keep similar animals with similar habits together.
On the flip side if you have the space you can have totally seperate requirements considering that one will use one part of the enclosure and the other will use the other but both will have access to the different habitats which can sometimes be a benefit.
-----
Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care